AN ACT CONCERNING THE OFFICE OF THE CHILD ADVOCATE.

HB 5380 replaces a statute governing the Office of the Child Advocate, clarifying its authority to access records related to children in state care. The bill requires state agencies to provide necessary records within 14 days of a request, grants the Child Advocate subpoena power to compel compliance if denied, and allows confidential communication with children receiving state services. It also establishes a dedicated funding account for the Child Advocate’s work, separate from general state funds. This technical revision directly affects the Child Advocate’s office and state agencies managing child welfare services.